one month (or two) at the table

I can’t recall if I was reading her book that I recently purchased or if it was a video of her where I caught this, but Alice Waters was explaining the importance of the ceremony of sharing a meal with someone.  Making it special by way of dishware, linens, table settings, flowers, etc. and most of all, making sure to enjoy a meal at a proper dinner table.

Mike and I had found ourselves preparing dinner and then eating together on the couch while we watched a show.  I cringe to even admit it.  Alice’s words were enough to knock some good graces back into my routine and dining habits.  We committed to eating every meal together at the dining table for one month.  We began setting the table, sitting across from one another instead of side by side on the couch staring at a screen.  And we quickly found ourselves sharing conversation that wouldn’t have been shared had we just watched a show while we ate. 

Here are a few things we learned in the process:

• It was a forcing mechanism for being thankful to the Lord for what He has given us and provided us with recently
• It changed the level of conversation we were having.  Instead of reacting to the TV or distraction of choice (shallow conversation), it created an opportunity for genuine, thoughtful, and engaging conversation
• We learned about each other’s days, if we hadn’t already, and intentionally shared things we came across, learned, or experienced
• It makes you aware of and practice your table manners instead of just quickly shoving food in your mouth

There is power in practicing the ceremony of dining together.  The dining table can be such a great place of connection in a family.  I want to practice the discipline that it takes to take full advantage of that opportunity. 

Inspiration:

Alice Waters